Jennifer Aniston has never hid the fact that her biological clock is a-ticking and who could blame her: She turned 40 in February and most of her Hollywood pals — like Courteney Cox and Sheryl Crow — are already mothers, a role she’s ready to embrace.

“I feel [motherhood is] in my future and I’m on the verge of it in some way,” the Love Happens star has said in recent months. “I want to have children. That’s my plan.”

And at least one Aniston insiders tells OK! that becoming a parent has quickly become a high priority for the actress, who has scheduled several months off before starting her next project in 2010.

“Jen’s made no secret of the fact she wants to get pregnant,” says the source. “Now, with nothing on her schedule for a while, she can relax and address the priorities that matter most — and motherhood is right at the top of her list.

“She wants to have a baby soon,” adds the insider. “And has set her heart on getting pregnant before her 41st birthday.”

For the complete story on Jen’s baby plans, including her plans for picking the baby daddy and how she’s reconciling with her own estranged mother — pick up the new issue of OK! — on sale everywhere Thursday!